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NIGERIA: Seven More Killed by Suspected Herdsmen

A fresh attack attributed to Fulani herdsmen has left seven killed in Tseadough village, in the Kwande local government area of Benue state, in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

The assailants stormed the village in the early hours of Sunday 3 June, while people were asleep, the Chairman of Kwande Local Government Council told Leadership.

“They opened fire and shot sporadically in all directions and at anyone in sight, killing seven people, while six others were injured,” said Terdoo Kenti, who denounced the “unprovoked” attack on his community.

A pregnant woman was also reportedly kidnapped from the village, while several houses were set ablaze.

Violence attributed to Fulani herdsmen has reached a record high this year, particularly in the Middle Belt.

Benue has been the most affected state, with attacks carried out on an almost daily basis. According to its Governor, Samuel Ortom, at least 492 people have been killed in Benue so far this year.

The violence has been often portrayed as a conflict between Muslim nomads and Christian farmers over access to grazing lands. But many analysts believed that the ongoing violence has taken a religious dimension.

In recent attacks, the assailants have targeted Christian institutions, killing clerics and worshippers.

Source: World Watch Monitor

Pray the Lord will protect and give courage to the pregnant woman who was kidnapped. Ask Him to intervene and be her rescuer.

Pray for all those grieving the loss of loved ones, property and livelihoods. May they not seek retaliation, but instead be willing to forgive and intercede for the perpetrators.

May they rest in the knowledge that the Lord loves them, He is trust worthy and He never leaves them.